In the News

Utah Data Collection Bill Heads to Gov. Herbert

Utah Data Collection Bill Heads to Gov. Herbert

March 14, 2013 — The Utah House on Tuesday voted 56-17 to pass a measure (SB 60) that would require the state to collect and retain abortion data that it currently reports to the federal government, the Salt Lake Tribune reports. It now goes to Gov. Gary Herbert (R) for consideration (Montero, Salt Lake Tribune, 3/12).

The bill -- sponsored by Sen. Margaret Dayton (R) -- would require the Utah Health Department to collect data on women who obtain abortions, including their race or ethnicity; the stage of gestation; and the stated reason, if any, for the abortion (Women's Health Policy Report, 2/21).

Opponents Voice Privacy Concerns

Opponents raised concerns that the bill invades women's privacy. State Rep. Kraig Powell (R) called the measure "intrusive," while Rep. Brian King (D) said the bill is an "overreach" by the government. State Rep. Larry Wiley (D) said the measure could be laying a foundation for future abortion restrictions.

Proponents of the bill said it is not overly intrusive because it would not disclose women's identities and the federal government already collects similar data (Salt Lake Tribune, 3/12).

Video Round Up

N.C. Gov. To Break Campaign Promise on Abortion Bills

AP/ABC News 11's Ed Crump discusses how North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory (R) will break his campaign pledge to not sign any abortion restrictions if he signs a 72-hour mandatory delay bill into law. Watch the video

Datapoints

See where states rank on reproductive rights across the U.S. Plus, find out how states are imposing more restrictions on and limiting women's access to abortion. Read more

At A Glance

"Not since before Roe v. Wade has a law or court decision had the potential to devastate access to reproductive health care on such a sweeping scale."

— Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights, on a ruling from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that upheld major portions of a Texas antiabortion-rights law. Read more